Pittsfield, MA- On Friday, May 23rd, Daniel NAVARRETE (Pittsfield, MA : 02/19/1976) was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on ten gun and drug related charges. Navarrete is being held on $200,000 cash bail; however, is currently being held without the right to bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
Navarrete was found with approximately 1.4 kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine and two firearms, including a large capacity of firearm.
The charges are as follows:
1. Trafficking Cocaine (200 Grams or more)
2. Possession of a Firearm Without an LTC
3. Possession of a Firearm Without an LTC
4. Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm
5. Possession of Ammunition Without an FID
6. Improper Storage of a Firearm
7. Improper Storage of a Large Capacity Firearm near a Minor
8. Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
9. Possession of a Large Capacity in the Commission of a Felony
10. Firearm Violation with 3 Prior Violent/Drug Convictions
The Pittsfield Police Department Drug Unit, with support from the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force, had been conducting an investigation into Daniel Navarrete suspected drug trafficking activities. On May 22nd, officers from the Pittsfield Police conducted a traffic stop on a black Audi driven by Navarrete. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his residence in Pittsfield, identified through evidence as the base of Navarrete’s drug operation.
After his arrest, Navarrete was brought to the residence, where he directed officers to locations where drugs and a firearm hidden. During a subsequent search of the home, police recovered a loaded large capacity firearm commonly referred to as a “ghost gun”, a revolver, ammunition, and various items associated with drug distribution, including approximately 1.4 kilograms of powder and crack cocaine. At the time of the search warrant execution, one child was located in the home and a second child had left the residence shortly before officers entered the home.
In addition to the Audi, law enforcement also searched a second residence connected to Navarrete’s operation. From a safe in that home, officers recovered approximately $17,000 in cash.
District Attorney Shugrue praised the efforts of the Pittsfield Police Department and the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force, stating, “The Pittsfield Police and Law Enforcement Task Force conducted an extensive and thorough investigation, resulting in a significant quantity of drugs being removed from our streets. The evidence clearly shows that Navarrete was a high-level drug dealer who posed a serious threat to our community.”
Navarrete has three prior drug-related convictions and is classified as an Armed Career Criminal, a designation that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.